DEBORAH

WILBUR
2014

ATHENA
AWARD
recipient

Awards

CANANDAIGUA

AT H E N A

Reaching out beyond what

you can achieve on your own.
Working in unison with others,
while celebrating diverse
points of view, ideas and actions.

Giving
Back

Relationships

2015

Fierce

Advocacy

Learning

C O L L A B O R AT I O N
Advertising supplement to the Daily Messenger
for November 15, 2015

Courageous
Acts

& Joy

st

Annual

Collaboration

Celebration

ATHENA
YOUNG
PROFESSIONAL
LEADERSHIP
AWARD
recipient

31

THE ATHENA
LEADERSHIP MODEL

The
Authentic
Self

nadia
harvieux
2014

The ATHENA Foundation

supports, develops and
honors women leaders;
inspiring women to achieve
their full potential and
creating balance in
leadership worldwide.

ATHENA Award Supplement November 15, 2015

PAST

31st Annual

ATHENA recipients
2014
Deborah Wilbur

2005
Rhoda Childs

1994
Judith Stewart

2013
Stephanie
Kunes

2004
Marci Diehl

1993
Linda
Farchione
Hawks

2012
Sharon Gullo

2003
Karen
Davison Blazey

2011
Barbara G.
Risser

2002
Deborah
Weymouth

2010
Lynne Erdle

2001
Valerie
Knoblauch

2009
Ginny Clark
2009
Margaret &
Randy
Farnsworth
2008
Deborah M.
Denome
2007
Barbara Fuge
2006
Janet E. Tenreiro

2000
Lauren Dixon
1999
Gail OBrien
1998
Sharon Pepper
1997
Teresa Hall
1996
Ellen Polimeni
1995
Gail Love

ab

1992
Joyce Ezrow
1991
Linda Welch
1990
Kay James
1989
Lois
Kozlowski
1988
Gail
Dorr Herman
1987
Barb Nelson
1986
Tarry Shipley
1985
Diane Reed

ATHENA
Awards Dinner
Collaboration

November 20, 2015

Finger Lakes Community College
Student Center
Cocktails 5:30 pm
Dinner & Program 6:45 pm

ab

2015 ATHENA Nominees

Edith Davey Wendy K. Emerson
Lauren Kolb Betsey Lee
Jennifer A. Orcutt Deborah Rought

2015 ATHENA YPLA Nominees

Kari Buch Kelly Colf Teresa Deacon
Sarah Genecco Tammra Schiller

ab
Founding Sponsor:
Randall Farnsworth Auto Group

ab

Platinum Sponsor: EFPR Group LLP,

Sharon & Ben Gullo and the
Gullo Dental Group, Thompson Health

ab

Diamond Sponsor: Five Star Bank

ab

ATHENA Reception Sponsor:

Fuller Funeral Home, Inc.

ab

Collaboration: Womens Initiative on Leadership

By Laurel Wemmett | Freelance Writer

ATHENA Award Recipients readily give back.

Over the past few years
many have shared their
personal insights into
the characteristics of
becoming a successful
leader with students at
Finger Lakes Community
College. Beginning in the
spring of 2014 the Womens
Initiative on Leadership
(W.I.L.) was created at
the college as a six-week
series open to female
students with the goal
to build their self esteem
and
confidence.
The program is already having
an impact beyond the college
campus.
I saw a need to develop a program
in leadership skills, says Jennie
Erdle, Director of Student Life
who arrived at FLCC in 2013 after
10 years at colleges in the Boston area.
Erdle, a Canandaigua native, developed the
new program with Sarah Whiffen, Associate
Vice President of Student Affairs at FLCC.
Each academic year up to 50 students have the opportunity to interact with
and be mentored by ATHENA and Young Professional Award Recipients
and nominees during the six-week womens leadership program. The series
offers practical skills they can apply in their daily lives while in college and
beyond into the workforce. It addresses topics such as: building confidence/
self-esteem, group dynamics/communication techniques, overcoming
adversity, the art of leadership, taking risks, and creating support networks.
The guest speakers share stories related to the topic being discussed. Erdle,
who oversees W.I.L., says currently 12 college students are in the program
and 46 have completed it to date.
It puts a huge smile on my face, says Erdle of the outcome. Its not a
seminar its an experience. She says guest speakers get caught up in
the program. They find it as impactful to tell their story as to hear the

students. One presenter came to every session. Now in its fourth semester,
the series includes discussion of the best-selling book, Lean In by Sheryl
Sandberg, which focuses on encouraging women to pursue their ambitions.
Support for W.I.L. comes from the Student Life Department, the Student
Corporation, the Finger Lakes Community College & Foundation, the
Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce and the Canandaigua ATHENA
Awards Program.

Collaboration: Womens Initiative on Leadership

Like other guest speakers, Erdle is an ATHENA Young Professional
Nominee (2014) and has distinguished herself in the community as a
board member with both Habitat for Humanity of Ontario County and the
Youth Council for the Finger Lakes Workforce Investment. Immediately
after joining FLCC, she took on other collaborative initiatives including
domestic violence awareness and student veteran experience.
There are not many opportunities to connect with other women, says
Erdle who is proud that the W.I.L. program was adopted by the FLCC Board
of Trustees as an initiative of the FLCC Strategic Plan (2014-18). It was
one of five originally selected in its first year of the strategic grant proposal
process to receive funding. W.I.L. has also expanded into the community.
In the spring of 2015, a pilot program with Midlakes School District had a
total of 32 young women from 7th and 8th grades participate in a mentor
program. Graduates of W.I.L. were paired with a guest speaker and trained to
be mentors for the young students. Overall the FLCCs Womens Initiative
on Leadership has had an impact with over 100 women and girls.

ATHENA Award Supplement November 15, 2015

ATHENA 2015:

ATHENA Award Supplement - November 15, 2009

ATHENA Award Supplement November 15, 2015

Edith Davey

Wendy K. Emerson

2015 ATHENA AWARD Nominees

Current Position: Conservation Educator,

Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District
Education History: BS Kansas State University
and extensive inservice education.
Immediate Family: Three children. Kathryn
Bissitt, Christina McGuey, William Leuthold, 13
grandchildren. Mother, Gene Dickinson.

CURRENT POSITION: Director of Digital

Marketing, equaTEK Interactive
EDUCATION HISTORY: Associates Degree/
Liberal Arts
IMMEDIATE FAMILY: Husband Greg, daughter
Jessica, son Sheldon and son John

Describe your top business and/or professional

accomplishments. While teaching in Kansas, I was
able to implement programs to enrich the lives and
competence of the children in my care; and to provide
music, theater, art, native language (Potawatomi), GED classes and other cultural
and educational opportunities to three underserved communities. As Conservation
Educator (Cornell Cooperative Extension and Ontario County SWCD) I
created outreach programs for recycling, stormwater management, agricultural
environmental management, a Water Workshop for Real Estate Professionals,
written Standard Operating Procedures for stormwater management; and designed
and constructed rain gardens and soil erosion control gardens. I have fostered the
creation of municipal organizations for watershed protection in the Canandaigua
and Seneca Lake Watersheds, and assisted the Honeoye Lake Watershed Task Force
and Honeoye Valley Association and the Wayne-Ontario Stormwater Coalition.
Describe your most meaningful leadership roles in community service and the
results that were accomplished. While in college, I was able to help initiate,
promote and participate in a tutoring service by education majors for local students
in need of assistance. The service continues to date. Potawatomi language instruction
(mentioned above) has been assumed by the Tribe. As chairman of a local educators
association, I was able to secure adherence to Title IX (equal athletic opportunities
for girls) and secure binding arbitration in School Board/ Teachers Association
disputes. Outreach to farmers in the Canandaigua Lake Watershed enlisted 92%
in the AEM program. Establishment of the Seneca Lake Watershed Intermunicipal
Organization for protection of that lake has been a protracted, but essential and
recently successful effort.
Provide a specific example of how you have demonstrated support for the
advancement and leadership of women in your profession. As a teacher, I was
able to identify several gifted female students and made every effort to promote
their advancement. One second-grade girl, Miranda, was particularly proficient in
math. I convinced her parents and the school of the need to provide opportunities
for her development and arranged attendance at a university Math Camp. She
has received her PhD and teaches at a college. I have mentored new hires in both
CCE and SWCD. Having created many of the programs that I implement, it has
been essential to inform and enlist the interest and talents of other female staff.
Mentoring a new CCE Educator with the (DEC assisted) youth fishing club I had
initiated required gently overcoming her initial resistance to children, worms and
algae.
Describe how you have integrated Collaboration in your professional and/or personal
life. Watershed protection is a major focus of my work and personal commitment. I
have been privileged to work with many talented persons from various communities
and backgrounds to identify and focus on mutually beneficial approaches to difficult
problems. Collaboration in solving environmental issues requires input from many
stakeholders. The need for environmental protection touches every facet of our
community: governance; agriculture; commerce; tourism; property values; education;
safety; emotional, physical and mental health to name a few. Collaboration among
municipalities, economic interests, educational institutions, agencies and private
citizens must continue and improve to ensure the best possible protection of natural
resources and our quality of life. Reaching consensus may be difficult in the short
term, but maximizes the probability of long-term success.

Describe your top business and/or professional

accomplishments. I am fortunate that my career is also
what I love. I became a social media strategist before
it was even recognized as social media. I collaborate
with others online to use social media for good. Ive developed award winning
websites and blogs. I was a key developer for one of the worlds largest automotive
manufacturers to create a social media program tapping into their loyal
customer base on social media to reach new audiences. For me, this is a project
I am most proud of. I led the development of a complex website for purchasing
prescription eyeglasses online, and brought the Google Glass Explorer program
to my workplace. This all led to working on the wearable technology product
development team and co-hosting a weekly wearable technology web-TV show.
Describe your most meaningful leadership roles in community service and the
results that were accomplished. Volunteering at Crosswinds Celebrate Recovery
is my most meaningful work because of the healing I myself have found. This
ministry changes lives by empowering people to work through their hurts, habits
and hang-ups to find freedom, hope, and forgiveness they never thought possible.
For more than 8 years I have offered women the grace given to me during my
darkest hour by teaching at Celebrate Recovery meetings, sponsoring and
mentoring women, and leading womens small group 12-step studies.
I use my social media expertise to fundraise and crowd-source for community
projects; supporting organizations like Embrace Your Sisters. Most recently I
organized an event that went viral drawing 100+ women together to armknit over 200 scarves for Open Door Mission in one afternoon, all promoted on
Facebook & Twitter.
Provide a specific example of how you have demonstrated support for the
advancement and leadership of women in your profession. At Sigma, I mentored
a young woman helping her develop her Life Plan. I worked with her weekly
to develop a vision for her life and create balance between the key areas of her
life including faith, marriage, children, finance, career, and health. Through
the process, she began to dig deep into these areas and focus on prioritizing
and evaluating her life goals. She could see where she was wasting energy, and
discovered things she could focus on to improve her relationships, career, health,
confidence, and finances.
There is no greater feeling than helping other women realize their full potential
through self-reflection. I get to be a part of helping women turn their dreams into
reality.
Describe how you have integrated Collaboration in your professional and/or
personal life. Every aspect of my life is about collaboration. I have learned along
the way that life is about embracing the differences and gifts of others. I am made
strong in my weakness, but only when I can acknowledge I need the help of
others. I strive to build teams who embrace each others talents and not compete
with one another. Whether I am mentoring the women on my Pampered Chef
team, serving as an accountability partner, sponsoring women in their recovery
journey, or working with a client at equaTEK on their digital marketing, I always
try to embrace the gifts and talents of others to allow them to shine. Marriage and
parenting are no exception; without my family, I am nothing.

2014 ATHENA Award Recipient

The community gains when others work together.

By Laurel Wemmett | Freelance Writer
For Deborah Wilbur, her first day of school in 1961
was one of great anticipation. I couldnt wait to get
there, recalls the 2014 ATHENA recipient and
life-long educator. Wilbur even remembers what she
wore as she headed off to school for the first time.
The excitement and love of learning that started
in kindergarten stayed with her throughout her
academic years at Canandaigua and shaped her future.
I always had great teachers who made learning
enjoyable. After graduation from Canandaigua
Academy, she completed an undergraduate degree at
Keuka College and then pursued a graduate degree
in Reading and Special Education at the University
of Rochester. Upon graduating, Wilbur returned
to her hometown and began her 36-year career as
a special education teacher with the Canandaigua
City School District.
Eight distinct attributes or tenets reflect womens
contributions to leadership and underlie the
ATHENA Awards program. These include authentic
self, celebration & joy, collaboration, courageous acts,
fierce advocacy, giving back, learning, and relationships. When asked about
how the tenet of collaboration, this years chosen theme, has impacted her
teaching career, Wilbur offers the familiar adage: Many hands make light
work. Collaborating with others who share your goal can accomplish far
more than any individual. It eases everyones load.
Beyond that it inspires everyone involved and it can trigger new ideas that
you dont think of independently. Small groups accomplish a lot.
Any teacher has to be a collaborator, asserts Wilbur of her chosen
profession. As a special education teacher Wilbur co-taught with contentarea teachers. For most of the last 10 years she co-taught 9th grade Social
Studies and English courses.
In the classroom Deborah was constantly monitoring and adjusting her
focus depending upon the needs of the students. My building Principal
called me a chameleon, saying, I see you doing different jobs in every

room depending on the content teacher, recalls

Wilbur.
Typically, when she observed a student not fully
comprehending something the content teacher had
said, Wilbur stepped in. I would try to be in the
heads of our special needs students.
Wilburs busy teaching career never precluded
volunteering with organizations that meet a
variety of educational and societal needs. Again,
collaboration was essential. The community gains
when others work together. Networking, igniting
ideas, and motivating each other allows everyone
to benefit. A thought or word by one person can
trigger a winning thought or idea of another.
Deborah believes the mix of people who serve
on boards brings together different perspectives
and encourages collaboration. Wilburs strong
dedication to her community includes 15 years
on the Board of Directors of Ontario ARC, an
organization that serves people with intellectual
and developmental disabilities. Her longtime membership in the Alpha
Tau chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international society of women
teachers, supports educational opportunities for women. Further, Wilbur
is currently both president of the Board of Managers and the first female
Trustee on the Ontario Childrens Foundation, an organization which
disperses interest-free loans to individual students in any of the nine school
districts in Ontario County, helps fund day care centers in Ontario County,
and offers financial support for one-time health needs of area children.
Newly retired this year from teaching, Wilbur did not head back to school
this fall for the first time since kindergarten. She admits cheerfully, I feel
like Im playing hooky! While the future is a bit uncertain, she has been
spending time with her two adult children. Wilbur is enthusiastic about the
next chapter of her life and has even considered event hosting at her 19th
century farmhouse. I love to cook and entertain! (Another ATHENA
Tenet, Celebration and Joy.)

ATHENA Award Supplement November 15, 2015

Deborah Wilbur

ATHENA Award Supplement November 15, 2015

Lauren Kolb

Betsey Lee

2015 ATHENA AWARD Nominees

CURRENT POSITION: Vice President & Business

Development Officer, Genesee Valley Trust Company
EDUCATION HISTORY: Bachelor of Science,
Organizational Management Master of Science,
Strategic Leadership Certified Wealth Strategist
(CWS) Expected completion 12/2015
IMMEDIATE FAMILY: Husband: Brian M. Kolb
NYS Minority Leader Stepchildren: Britton,
Clayton and Kylie

CURRENT POSITION: Resource Coordinatorfor

the Finger Lakes Treatment Court, Ontario County
Court
EDUCATION HISTORY: Masters in Social Work
from Roberts Wesleyan College
IMMEDIATE FAMILY: Spouse: David Reibsome,
Mother: Ann Lee, Brother: Robert E. Lee III, Sister:
Barbara Edington, Children: Miranda Cabrelli (spouse
Larry), Stephen Weigel (spouse Emily), Margaret

Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments. After

spending twenty-two years traveling internationally as a professional entertainer,
I transitioned into the financial services field as a bank teller for CNB. In two
short years I was asked to assume the role as Assistant Vice President of the Main
Office. Under my leadership, our office grew at an unprecedented rate during the
greatest recession in over forty years. Simultaneously, I attended night school
at Roberts Wesleyan College (RWC) earning a 4.0 GPA for both degrees; BS
in Organizational Management and MS in Strategic Leadership. In 2013, I was
asked by CNB to continue my efforts at GVT as the Vice President & Business
Development Officer. With that, I was recognized for integrity, performance
excellence, business acumen and community service by receiving the Arthur S.
Hamlin Award.
Describe your most meaningful leadership roles in community service and the
results that were accomplished. As a former professional entertainer, I feel deeply
about supporting Arts in our community. After serving three years on the Board
of the Bristol Valley Theater, I spent the following five lobbying to secure a much
needed capital improvement grant. As a result of my efforts, BVT was awarded
$225,000 for the renovation and preservation of the beloved venue. Serving on
the Board of the Serenity House has been one of the most rewarding experiences
of my life! Our House, a comfort care facility, is a tranquil place to die with
dignity. I have spent six years being a fierce advocate and strategic visionary for
the organization which has resulted in a complete revitalization! By creating
partnerships and asking tough questions, the Serenity House is open for business.
Provide a specific example of how you have demonstrated support for the
advancement and leadership of women in your profession. As a professional
women in the financial services industry, I think it is extremely important to
take an active role in the development of other women. I have the pleasure of
mentoring women who are bank tellers as well as executives. By encouraging
women to be honest and authentic leaders, they go forth and add tremendous
value to whatever project they embark upon. Additionally, I frequently speak as a
Voice of Experience for the ONYA organization. It is startling how many young
women lack the self-confidence required to create economically sustainable lives. I
share with them my story of overcoming adversity so they feel hopeful about their
futures. Being a role model for women has made a profound impact on me for I
always receive more than I give.
Describe how you have integrated Collaboration in your professional and/or
personal life. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much (Helen
Keller). Building relationships and collaborating with others is truly the foundation
of my success. However, in order to achieve positive results, participants must
align themselves with shared goals while simultaneously displaying courage, openmindedness and leadership. This is not an easy task, but one I feel personifies me.
I have collaborated with many organizations and individuals in our area in order to
leave a project or place better than I found it. Most recently, I was asked by Robert
Wesleyan College to collaborate on a new graduate course called Creativity and
Problem Solving. This is stimulating subject matter that I feel very passionate
about and will be teaching the class this coming spring.

Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments.The first year

with the Finger Lakes Treatment Court, I co-wrote a grant to begin a Juvenile
Drug Court. I was the first Coordinator for that court. In 2013 due to increasing
numbers of mentally ill people in the Jail, I worked with the Public Defenders
office to open a Mental Health part to our court. In 2014 I again partnered with
the PDs office to open a Veterans part to the Treatment Court. I am now the
Coordinator of both new parts to the treatment court. In 2010 I had the distinct
honor of being awarded the Ontario County Bar Association Friend of the Court
Award. This award was in recognition of my efforts on behalf of defendants who
struggle with chemical dependency issues.
Describe your most meaningful leadership roles in community service and the
results that were accomplished. I have been involved with several community
organizations. I was on the board for Community Action Partnership (CAP)
and felt CAP did amazing work. My most meaningful volunteer work was with
Pony Club. Pony Club is an organization that develops character, leadership,
confidence and a sense of community in youth through a program that teaches
the care of horses and ponies, riding and mounted sports. I was on the board of
Bristol Hills Pony Club for years and was District Commissioner for two years. I
saw young people learn how to ride and care for a horse, but more importantly how
to compete including learning to win and lose gracefully, learn teamwork and
collaboration, learn how to give back to the community and blossom into young
adults of strong character.
Provide a specific example of how you have demonstrated support for the
advancement and leadership of women in your profession. I have worked with
at least 15 interns (and counting) in my job with treatment courts. Most of my
interns have been women and most of them pursing a job in social work and/
or counseling. Women in social work and counseling need to be prepared for
leadership roles, and I work hard to give as much of my time as I can to share
with my interns what I feel they need to know to succeed in the field. I am proud
to say that my track record of helping interns get jobs when I am contacted as a
reference is almost 100% placement. One of my interns is the Coordinator of a
Juvenile Drug Court in the state of Tennessee!
Describe how you have integrated Collaboration in your professional and/or
personal life. Collaboration is the essence of what treatment courts are all about.
Criminal justice: prosecution, defense, probation and the Judge, all come together
with counseling and treatment, chemical dependency counselors, mental health
professionals, VA behavioral health specialists, to work out the best plan for all
our participants. It is putting each perspective together to find the greatest chance
of success. Accountability, therapy, guidance and treatment wrapped together
in a blueprint for change that gives hope back to the hopeless. It has been my
privilege to coordinate the efforts of the three treatment courts amazing teams
and an even greater privilege to see the results of these efforts in the hundreds of
successful participants and graduates who go on to lead law-abiding, meaningful,
productive lives.

Cassie Kramp & Mary Riesenberger

By Laurel Wemmett | Freelance Writer
Enrolling in college is a major investment for
any young person these days. However, each
year several local high school graduates receive a
scholarship from the Professional Women of the
Finger Lakes (PWFL) making it easier to meet the
cost of higher education. The PWFL raises money
for its scholarship program through collaboration
with the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce on
the ATHENA Awards Dinner.
Cassie Kramp is one of those who received a PWFL
scholarship in 2015. The 18-year old grew up in
Clifton Springs and is a 2015 graduate of Midlakes
High School where she graduated in the top five
percent of her class. She was on the high honor
roll for four years and received an Advanced
Regents diploma with highest honors and Regents
mastery in math and science. Her awards included
the Presidents Education Award for Outstanding
Academic Excellence, and membership in the
National Honor Society.
Naples native, Mary Riesenberger, is another
2015 PWFL high school scholarship recipient.
Riesenberger has the distinction of being an
Academic All Star, having maintained a 90
average since she was in the 9th grade. While at
Naples High School, she was a member of the
National Technical Honor Society, the National
Honor Society, and received a Finger Lakes Scholar
award, all testifying to her outstanding academic
achievement. Her leadership ability was evident
through a variety of key positions she held on
the student council, the yearbook, and as a class
officer.
Riesenberger also had a unique experience during
her senior year at Naples which linked to her
future plans. The 18-year old was enrolled in the
New Visions Medical Program which provides
interdisciplinary and experiential learning for high
school seniors pursuing health careers. She spent a
half-day at high school and a half-day at Geneva
General Hospital where she had opportunities to

shadow nurses and doctors, plus visit the laboratory,

emergency room, and ICU, among other locations.
I liked that I could do things that could be applied
to my future, says Riesenberger.
Through Finger Lakes Community Colleges Gemini
program, Riesenberger also had the opportunity to
complete FLCC courses tuition-free at high school
prior to graduation.

Cassie Kramp

Both Kramp and Riesenberger are enjoying their

new college experience. Riesenberger is now
taking courses like anatomy and physiology and
introductory psychology at Elmira College as
part of her career plan to enter the medical field
and become a nurse practitioner. In Naples, her
community service included volunteering at the
Open Closet where clothing is provided for those
in need. She also helped maintain the Finger
Lakes Trail to make it safer for hikers. Riesenberger
says Elmira College actually requires students to
complete 60 hours of community service within the
first two years in order to graduate. She will likely
pursue the opportunity to work in a local animal
shelter or at ARC through the Circle K Club,
sponsored by the Elmira Kiwanis Club.
I love it here at Syracuse University, says Kramp
who is now in her first semester pursuing a BS in
Business Management. Im on track to graduate in
three years because of all the Gemini courses that I
took in high school. There are so many opportunities
for students to get involved on campus, so I have
already had to learn how to manage my time
properly.

Mary Riesenberger

In Kramps home town, she volunteered at St. Felix

Church and the Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic.
She was a Rotary Interact Club member and found
time to be a Salvation Army bell ringer. So far at
Syracuse she has joined both the Whitman Women
in Business and Enactus, a non-profit organization
that has multiple projects with the common goal to
help the local and global community. The project
Continued on Page 10...

ATHENA Award Supplement November 15, 2015

ATHENA
PWFL Scholarships

ATHENA Award Supplement November 15, 2015

Jennifer Anne Orcutt

Deborah E. Rought

2015 ATHENA AWARD Nominees

CURRENT POSITION: Certified Nurse Midwife,

Canandaigua Medical Group PC
EDUCATION HISTORY: Master of Science
in Midwifery, Frontier Nursing University Bachelor of
Science in Nursing, Keuka College Associate Applied
Science in Nursing, Finger Lakes Community College
IMMEDIATE FAMILY: Son Samuel age 11,
daughter Anna age 9. Parents Richard and
Filomena Ernst

CURRENT POSITION:
VP, Community Office Manager, Canandaigua
National Bank & Trust
EDUCATION HISTORY:
Associates Degree from University of Phoenix

Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments.The professional

accomplishment I am most proud of is the establishment of a successful independent
Midwifery practice in Ontario County. Recognizing the unique needs of women
who desired an alternative to traditional medical management of pregnancy, I
returned to graduate school to obtain my Masters degree in Midwifery. This was
accomplished while working full time as a RN and raising two young children.
Midwifery although an ancient profession was virtually unknown in our community
with many misconceptions regarding the education, experience and scope of
practice. After the first year of practice, a second midwife was hired and we are
actively seeking a third to add to a growing practice. In 2014 over 25% of all births
at FFTH were attended by midwives.
Describe your most meaningful leadership roles in community service and the
results that were accomplished. Last year along with other community members
I participated in the organization and coaching of a running club for children
attending the Canandaigua Elementary School. This first of its kind program
sought to develop young childrens interest in running while teaching nutrition,
healthy lifestyles and increasing self-confidence. Many participants were only able
to run short distances at the beginning of the program but by the end completed a
5K! Now in our second season we have over 100 participants!
Provide a specific example of how you have demonstrated support for the
advancement and leadership of women in your profession. I have opened my
practice to high school and college students who are interested in pursuing a
career in womens health care. Young women who are considering midwifery will
often shadow me in the clinic or hospital to gain insight into the profession. I
keep in touch with these women throughout their undergraduate and graduate
school paths offering advice and encouragement when needed. I have served as
an adjunct professor at St. John Fisher and SUNY Upstate as a preceptor for nurse
practitioner and physician assistant students during their womens health rotation.
I have also taught the clinical aspects of labor and delivery to undergraduate
nursing students.
Describe how you have integrated Collaboration in your professional and/or
personal life. Collaboration is a hallmark of midwifery. It is a concept that was
ingrained in the very early stages of my education. Collaboration does not mean
the passing off of care, rather it is the cooperation of providers with complimentary
skill sets. It is also not exclusive to pregnancy. Often, if not daily I am in touch with
other health care providers, community organizations or programs to aid women
to meet their emotional, psychosocial and health care needs. Over the last year
I have joined forces with a local homebirth midwife who exclusively serves the
Mennonite community to ease transfer of care to the hospital when complications
arise. In years past Mennonite women have been fearful of needing to be
transferred to a hospital due to perceived judgment for choosing homebirth. This
culture of fear may put women at risk. A sense of trust has been established due to
our collaboration. The collaborative model of midwifery is rooted in empowering
women to make informed educated decisions to create a healthy and positive life
for themselves and their families. Collegial relationships enables deliverance of
optimal health care and equates to advocacy of womens health.

Describe your top business and/or professional accomplishments.I have been in

banking for almost forty years, the last sixteen with Canandaigua National Bank.
One of my proudest achievements is earning my associates degree while working
full-time. It meant long hours studying and not enough sleep but it was worth it.
I have managed four CNB branches progressing to larger branches and have been
nominated twice for the Arthur S. Hamlin award which recognizes the employee
of the year. I pride myself on providing excellent customer service.
In 2013, while working with one of the Ontario ARC group homes, I met a very
special woman who was a resident of the Risser Road home. She was in her early
60s and her dream was to go to Disney World. With the help of a friend and local
businesses, we raised the money to make her dream come true. To see her face
when we presented her with her Mickey Mouse Ears, was the best gift back to
me.
Describe your most meaningful leadership roles in community service and the
results that were accomplished. My involvement with the Ontario ARC over
the last several years has made me realize that a smile from one of the residents
fills my heart with such love. Specifically working with two group homes, Hickox
Road and Risser Road, has been so rewarding for me. I get so much more from
the residents than I could ever give them. The ladies look forward to our visits
and are so appreciative of the small craft items that we make with them. Being
able to volunteer my time and craft projects is so small to me, but so huge to
them. Watching their eyes sparkle with excitement and seeing their smiles, brings
such joy to me and warms my heart. No matter what their learning or physical
challenges are, they each have a special place in my heart.
Provide a specific example of how you have demonstrated support for the
advancement and leadership of women in your profession. This is my 39th
year as a banker and I have experienced many changes in the banking industry
over the years. This included watching women be able to grow and move up
the ladder to hold leadership roles as competently as men. Spending the time to
coach and mentor, is a huge part of what helps the women I come in contact with
at Canandaigua National Bank be able to move up that corporate ladder. My
proudest moments were being able to witness two of my Assistant Managers grow
and develop new skills, so they could then be promoted to Community Office
Managers. Each one of these ladies developed their own leadership style and are
now continuing to mentor to their own staff members.
Describe how you have integrated Collaboration in your professional and/or
personal life. Collaboration is so important in all aspects of my life, but having
collaboration at home is what makes everything fall into place. With the support
and suggestions from my husband and family, everything always came together. In
order to be successful in life, there must be collaboration. And I believe that that
collaboration starts at home.

2013 ATHENA Award Recipient and Keynote Speaker

The community gains when others work together.

By Laurel Wemmett | Freelance Writer
The first ATHENA Award program in New York
State was hosted in 1985 by the Canandaigua
Chamber of Commerce with founding sponsor
Randall Farnsworth Auto Group.
Since then the program has become a role model
among its peers across the U.S., admired for its
innovation, leadership, and achievement. Each year
a Canandaigua area woman is recognized for her
business and professional excellence, her community
leadership, as well as for her personal and professional
commitment and assistance to other women.
An extension of the prestigious ATHENA Award is
the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award
which recognizes emerging women, 40 years of age
or younger, who demonstrate excellence, creativity,
and service in their professional and personal lives.
Both awards will be presented at the 31st Annual
Canandaigua ATHENA Awards Gala on Friday,
November 20, 2015 at the Finger Lakes Community
College Student Center. The ATHENA program is
supported by corporate sponsorships and administered
by the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce along with the ATHENA
Steering Committee and the Professional Women of the Finger Lakes. The
ATHENA program has raised more than $80,000 for scholarships for local
women entering college after high school and for women attending college
later in life.
This years keynote speaker will be the 2013 ATHENA Award Recipient,
Stephanie Kunes, President and CEO of the National Multiple Sclerosis
(MS) Society, Upstate NY Chapter. Kunes has worked at the MS
organization for over 30 years, the last five and a half in the top leadership
position. The Upstate NY Chapter covers 94% of the state with chapter
headquarters in Rochester and offices in Buffalo, Syracuse, and Albany.
By speaking to groups from Plattsburgh to Corning and everywhere inbetween, Kunes raises awareness of the more than 13,000 families in
upstate NY living with the unpredictable, often disabling disease of the
central nervous system. It makes it real to people to hear how MS affects
families, says Kunes.

While steering the nonprofit organization, Kunes

relies on collaboration, one of the eight tenets
of the ATHENA Leadership Model that will be
highlighted at the awards dinner this November.
You need to be collaborative at the leadership
level, affirms Kunes who will share how the MS
Society, a volunteer-driven organization, relies on
volunteers to raise revenue for critical MS research
and provide needed services for those living with a
disease which has no cure.
Kunes says the organization works to stop the
progression of MS, to lessen its severity by restoring
function, and to find a cure for MS. It fulfills its
mission without benefit of Federal or State monies.
Each year funds are raised to cover everything from
providing assistance to people newly diagnosed
with MS to training health care professionals and
community members on MS. Across upstate New
York hundreds of events are hosted by volunteers.
Collaboration is key to the success of important
fundraisers like Bike MS, Walk MS, and golf
tournaments, among many others. Planning for the 2016 Walk MS is
already underway with 19 sites participating across upstate New York.
Kunes points to a strong tie with United Way which provides funding for
much needed services and programs as well as volunteer participation in
their annual Day of Caring. This money is not automatically granted,
but contingent on the nonprofit demonstrating that it is meeting its goals
explains Kunes. Another example of community collaboration in Rochester
is Unity Health. The 15-year association between MS and Unity Health
led to Unity Healths adult daycare program. With its own building, its the
first program for people with MS in New York State.
Within the MS Upstate NY Chapter, employee collaboration improved
when the organization moved into a newly renovated space at the Al Sigl
Community of Agencies campus about a year ago. Kunes helped layout the
floor plan and created a large room where social workers and
Continued on Page 10...

ATHENA Award Supplement November 15, 2015

STEPHANIE KUNES

10

ATHENA Award Supplement November 15, 2015

Scholarships continued from Page 7...
she has chosen is a thrift shop called 3fifteen, located on Syracuse Universitys campus, which supports the
efforts of the Rescue Mission to end hunger and homelessness.
Although the classes in college are much more demanding than in high school, the professors are engaging
and insightful, which makes learning fun, says Kramp. Also, Syracuse Universitys Whitman School of
Management has launched the IMPRESSProgram. It gives points to students who participate in leadership
workshops and attend guest speaker lectures. This program has spurred students to involve themselves in
extracurricular activities, therefore enhancing their knowledge of the business world.

Stephanie Kunes continued from Page 9...

event planners have more direct contact than previously. The space has become part Think Tank and part
social hub where the staff connects on a different level. Shared ideas find new solutions to meet needs. One
outcome has been a growth in volunteerism with greater involvement by members of the families affected by
MS in the organizations fundraisers. What we can do surprises me sometimes, says Kunes.
On a personal level, Kunes, who is a life-long resident of Cheshire, finds working with others on the board
of the Cheshire Community Action Team (CCAT) allows her to become active in improving life in the
hamlet. One of the major projects is the renovation of the 19th century Cheshire Meeting Hall, listed on
the state and national Registers of Historic Places. A recent grant from NYS Parks and Recreation and
Historic Preservation will pay for structural work. The hall has many possibilities, says Kunes providing
opportunities for the whole town from hosting events that offer entertainment to a meeting place for kids
activities.

11
ATHENA Award Supplement November 15, 2015

Nadia Harvieux
2014 ATHENA Young Professional
Leadership Award Recipient
By Laurel Wemmett | Freelance Writer
Photos on a cell
phone often include
family members and
pets but when the
phone belongs to
an
environmental
educator there might
be an image of a pair
of damselflies. These
long-legged
insects
appear on Nadia
Harvieuxs
phone
along with photos that
document the foam
and algae on one of
the Finger Lakes.
i grew up on
canandaigua
Lake
and lived through
the
invasion
of
zebra mussels in the
1990s that changed the lake forever, recalls
Harvieux when asked how she got interested
in the natural environment and water quality.
When zebra mussels, an invasive species,
threatened the lakes ecosystem she learned
how vulnerable the lake is to change and
pollution.
Today, Harvieux is the conservation Outreach
Educator at Finger Lakes community
colleges Muller Field Station near Honeoye
Lake and an Adjunct Faculty member in the
conservation department at the college. She
also serves as the Education Program Manager
at the Finger Lakes institute at Hobart William
Smith colleges. For her excellence, creativity,
and service in both her professional field as
well as her personal life, Harvieux was

the 2014 recipient

of the ATHENA
Young
Professional
Leadership
Award
which
recognizes
women 40 years of age
or younger.
Much of my work
is based on building
relationships
with
teachers,
school
districts, community
groups and research
scientists who are
studying our aquatic
ecosystems, explains
Harvieux
whose
dedication to the
natural world illustrates
the ATHENA tenet of
collaboration.
With
an undergraduate degree in geology, the
canandaigua native headed to Washington
State where she earned a graduate teaching
degree in earth science and secondary science.
After working for a few years in her chosen field,
she returned home and became active with the
canandaigua Lake Watershed Association.
in 2006 she developed a watershed-focused
outreach program for elementary and middle
school students in the canandaigua, Naples,
and Marcus Whitman school districts. She
continues serving with the canandaigua Lake
Watershed Association as a member of the
board of directors and assisted with the recent
update of the canandaigua Lake Watershed
Management Plan.
Continued on Page 12...

Congratulations
to the 2015 ATHENA and
ATHENA YPLA Nominees

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ATHENA Award Supplement November 15, 2015

12
Continued from Page 11...

My biggest goal through my work is to connect

kids with nature by giving them opportunities
to be adventurers and make discoveries,
says Harvieux. Her programs explore the
natural world and aim to inspire youngsters
to become good stewards of the environment.
As Conservation Educator at the Muller
Field Station since 2011, Harvieux often
collaborates with teachers who want youngsters
to be connected to the outdoors in programs
relevant to the classroom. Activities vary from
leading students on a canoe trip through the
Honeoye Inlet to learn about the importance
of wetlands, to using trail cameras to study
animal biodiversity in a variety of terrestrial
habitats. Conservation students at FingerLakes
Community College intern at Muller helping
with environmental programs and in the field.

Harvieuxs professional world expanded when

she took on the role of Education Program
Manager at the Finger Lakes Institute beginning
in 2013. There she coordinates education
programs for K-12 students, typically taking
them out to monitor water quality of streams
throughout the region through the Finger
Lakes Regional Stream Monitoring Network.
She is also responsible for providing in-service
training for teachers and pre-service educators
seeking certification. Harvieux says the best
part of what she does is working with a great
community of educators and getting to see so
many different lakes and stream environments.
There are so many water resources in the
Finger Lakes thats the fun of job I work
outside all the time and I am always learning.

Close to home Harvieux is a valued member

of the Council for Instructional Excellence
of the Canandaigua City School District. For
the Town of Canandaigua, she served with the
Environmental Conservation Board to provide
advisory recommendations for environmental
protection within the Town.
On a personal level, she and her husband David
are very involved in community sports through
their two young sons. It takes a village to raise
a child, says Harvieux about child-rearing.
Im lucky my parents are here and I have a lot
of close friends who provide rides to games and
school; we support each other.
So many people were here when I was growing
up and they are now watching my children
grow up; its a nice continuation of being a part
of this community.

2015 ATHENA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD Nominees

Young Professional Leadership Award

recognizing and honoring exceptional role models
The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award (YPLA) recognizes emerging
women who are leaders; who demonstrate excellence, creativity and service in their
professional and personal lives.
An extension of the prestigious ATHENA award, YPLA honors women who lead,
excel in their professions and give back to the community. Inspiring other women to
strive for their full potential, these young professional women lead by example.

The Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Professional

Women of the Finger Lakes presents the YPLA each year at the ATHENA Awards
to recognize outstanding local women who have made significant contributions
locally. Their accomplishments bring us closer to a more balanced distribution of
leadership by women.

She provides valuable service while improving the quality of life for others in her
community.
The YPLA recipient serves as a role model for young women in her profession and
in her personal life.
YPLA recipients are nominated, then selected, by a selection committee comprised
of community leaders with diverse backgrounds. To qualify, a nominee must be 40
years of age or younger, live in the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce service
area, and come from either the profit or not-for-profit sectors. Nominees stand apart
as aspiring women leaders, celebrated through the ATHENA movement.

The YPLA recipient is an emerging leader who demonstrates excellence, creativity

and initiative in her profession.

The Canandaigua ATHENA program is a model that creates ways for women to
use the tenets of the ATHENA leadership model the authentic self, relationships,
giving back, collaboration, courageous acts, learning, fierce advocacy and
celebration and joy. Since the inception of ATHENA International in 1982, the
prestigious ATHENA award has been presented to women in over 500 communities
worldwide.

Kari Buch

Kelly Colf

Regional Director, United Way of Ontario County

Propane Sales & Marketing, Growmark FS

YPLA honorees receive this award to mark their unique qualities as they meet and,
in some cases, exceed established criteria.

Kari Buch is a longstanding member of the

Canandaigua community. She is married to
Rich, and they have two children, Ally age
11 and Jon age 8. Kari has worked in nonprofits since 1998 and began her career at
the Canandaigua Family YMCA and held
many roles before becoming the United
Way of Ontario County Regional Director
in 2013. Throughout her career, Kari has
served her community by volunteering
her time and talent on numerous boards
and committees. Currently she serves
on WYFY, which empowers the voice of
Ontario County youth and is a member of
Assemblyman Brian Kolbs Mental Health
Task Force, to find ways to reduce the stigma
of mental health illness. Kari also serves
as the chairperson for Ontario Countys
Emergency Food and Shelter Program,
is currently a Rotarian where she assists
with the Literacy Committee and other
special events, and is an active member of
Professional Women of the Finger Lakes.

Kelly Colf handles propane sales and

marketing for Growmark-FS. She lives
in Canandaigua with her boyfriend Phil
and their dog Maverick. In her first year
at Growmark, Kelly has demonstrated her
plethora of talents. She mentored colleagues
completing the Sandler Sales Program,
a program she had already finished. She
overhauled the companys truck routing
system, allowing them to offer better
service to their customers and improved
business efficiencies. Additionally Kelly
implemented a direct ship program for farm
accounts and a contracting system for the
commercial purchase of propane.
Kelly is deeply involved in her community
through participation on the board and
numerous committees for Professional
Women of the Finger Lakes, the Athena
Awards, Ralph Sheridan Golf Classic and
Boy Scouts of Americas tourism program.
As an avid outdoorswoman, Kelly is a

member of an all-womens
hunting pro-staff designed
to help engage women in the
sport. Kelly also participates
in archery competitions and
has even landed herself in
the record books.

ATHENA Award Supplement November 15, 2015

2015 ATHENA

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ATHENA Award Supplement November 15, 2015

14

2015 ATHENA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD Nominees

Teresa Deacon

Sarah Genecco

Family Assessment and Support Worker

Child & Family Resources

Owner|Operator of Stellas Florist,

Canandaigua Lady and Scoops Ice Cream

Working for Child & Family Resources

Teresa has proven to be positive,
enthusiastic and inspirational in her
approach with the families she serves. She
rises to each challenge; using a strengthbased approach, consistently affirming the
potential of those around her and those
she serves. She has served as a Family
Educator in the Parenting Skills Program;
currently serving as a Family Assessment
and Support Worker for the Healthy
Families Program. Teresa has become
a Certified Lactation Counselor and
Facilitator for the Baby Caf; supporting
all parents, with emphasis on breastfeeding
mothers and their babies.
As a Family Support Worker, Teresa
provides services to the individuals enrolled
into the Healthy Families home visiting
program; covering a spectrum of services
most areas of life and need. She is an
advocate for every family assigned to her,

empowering them to achieve

their potential without
pressure or judgement. She
pursues each family with
the same commitment and
passion.

Sarah Genecco is Owner/Operations

Manager for 3 local businesses Stella
Florist, Scoops Ice Cream and the
Canandaigua Lady. Sarah has a wonderful
family and they together do so much for
the community. Sarah does all of the
advertising and marketing for all three of
her businesses. Sarah sits on the Attraction
Sales Team comprised of local businesses
assisting in developing strategies that help
smaller businesses, like her Land and Lake
package that promotes The Canandaigua
Lady and Sonnenberg Gardens. In the
community Sarah is involved and invested.
She can be seen donating her time with
the Ontario ARC, Gleaners Kitchen, and
raising money to help those with brain
cancer, or donating the boat for community
events. Sarah is role model to many young
women she hires. Sarah always puts others
first, and is truly a leader in her actions
teaching so many the true meaning of a
hard work ethic and family values.

Tammra Schiller
Branch Manager II, Assistant Vice President
Five Star Bank
Tammra Schiller is the Branch Manager
and Assistant Vice President at Five Star
Bank in Canandaigua. She holds a M.S.
in Management from Keuka College and
resides in Canandaigua with her husband
Mike and son Quinn. Tammra has worked
in banking for 16 years, developing a strong
focus on community involvement, giving
back, and assisting individuals with meeting
their financial needs. Tammra not only helps
her customers, but volunteers in the school
setting to teach children early financial
strategies and independence skills.
In the community Tammra has taken
on leadership roles. In 2009 she joined
the Newark Chamber of Commerce and
quickly was appointed first to the board
and then as President. In her term Tammra
developed fundraisers, increased community
involvement, and revamped the website.
Through her efforts Tammra gained respect
from community business leaders and left

the organization financially

sound upon her departure in
2014. Additionally Tammra
serves on VONEDA, the
Thompson Guild, and is a
member of Kiwanis.

ATHENA AWARDS
2014 HIGHLIGHTS

manage six
ore. Meyer
partnered
ffer more

Twenty minutes is all it takes to get a healthy workout

brisk walking, stretching. Its all about workplace
wellness and staying fit.

Meyers most meaningful community leadership

role began in 2007 when she joined what was then
ed to have the Business and Professional Womens Club of
orizons to Canandaigua. The mission of the group was to
and trusts. advocate for other women personally, professionally
and politically.
When I joined, the club was in danger
2014 ATHENA
Award nominees.
grow the
of
collapse.
It
didnt
have the minimum number of
rvices.
dues-paying members needed to continue its charter.
ce agency
ties rather Meyer suggested some changes to scheduling and
Continued on Page 10...
2014 ATHENA Young Professional
Leadership Award nominees.

ATHENA Award Recipient Deborah Wilbur

(above) and ATHENA Young Professional
Leadership Award Recipient Nadia Harvieux
with Amy Calbrese (right) accepting their awards.

Past ATHENA recipients

15
ATHENA Award Supplement November 15, 2015

at CNB to join the JP

Morgan Chase Corporate
Challenge, a 3.5 mile race
designed to promote fitness
in the workplace. Sixtyfive employees, on average,
now participate annually. I
encourage people to walk if
they cant run. Weve tilted
the scales, more women are
participating now than men.
When I visit a branch, we
talk about healthy lunch hours.

16

ATHENA Award Supplement November 15, 2015